Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network

 

Massachusetts SBDC Statewide Training & Event Calendar

  

Preregistration is required for all events. If no link is listed on the registration page, online registration is not available or registration has closed. Please read important registration information by clicking here.


 
export
The Massachusetts Export Center organizes seminars, webinars and events throughout the year under Partners for Trade—the official export training initiative of the Commonwealth.
 
On the calendar below, globe indicates an exporting training event.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

~~~ 2024-25 Training Calendar 

Unless otherwise noted, training is offered online.              globe = export training
 DECEMBER
10 Funding & Resources for Small Business
11 How to Determine Landed Cost and Price Your Products for Export and Import globe
12 Using AI for Your Small Business
 
 JANUARY 2025
15 Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Beginners
16 Understanding Business Financials: Balance Sheets, Income and Profit/Loss Statements
23 Small Business Lending: Are you Really Ready for a Loan?
30-31 Export Expo globe
 



 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  
 

 

 

    

  

  

  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

  

Program Descriptions


Tech Talks with Rob

Tech Talks with RobJoin us for "Tech Talks with Rob" an enlightening webinar series designed specifically for small business owners looking to navigate the complex world of technology. Each session, hosted by tech expert Rob DelMastro, will delve into critical topics that are essential for running a modern business in the digital age.

Some of the topics we will cover:

  • Professional Email Systems: Learn how to set up and manage a professional email system that enhances your business communication and credibility.
  • Cybersecurity: Discover strategies to protect your business from cyber threats and ensure your data remains secure.
  • Password Managers: Find out why password managers are a must-have for securing your sensitive information and how to implement them effectively.
  • SEO: Uncover the secrets of Search Engine Optimization to increase your online visibility and drive more traffic to your website.
  • Domains and Web Hosting: Get to grips with choosing the right domain names and web hosting services that align with your business goals.
  • POS Systems: Explore the various Point of Sale systems available and how to select one that streamlines your sales processes.

Whether you are tech-savvy or just getting started, "Tech Talks with Rob" will provide you with the knowledge and tools to leverage technology for your business’s success. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn, grow, and secure your business in the digital marketplace. During each session, Rob will present a brief 15–20-minute introduction to the topic at hand, followed by an interactive discussion and Q&A period. This series aims to create a welcoming environment where participants are encouraged to ask questions. Remember, there are no bad questions. 

Date:  Held on the first Wednesday of the month - click on date below to register
Time: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at the Massachusetts SBDC at ppawlosk@umass.edu

Funding & Resources for Small Business

Learn about free services offered by small business resource organizations, including the South Eastern Economic Development (SEED) Corporation, Massachusetts SBDC, SCORE, and NeighborWorks.

Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge for Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce members; $10 for non-members
Contact: Questions? Contact info@tauntonareachamber.org

Cosponsored by the Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce, Massachusetts SBDC, SEED, SCORE, and NeighborWorks

How to Determine Landed Cost and Price Your Products for Export and Import

Calculating the final landed cost of goods that are going to be imported or exported can be challenging for businesses that must identify and consider all the elements that go into the landed cost, including duties, taxes, government fees, shipping charges, insurance, document transfer fees, and other pricing components.

We start with the concept of transaction value, which can be broadly defined as the price paid or payable at the time the goods leave the country. Building upon that, we will focus on identifying all the other regulatory elements of landed cost, the importance of understanding and selecting the most appropriate INCOTERM rule, the influence that assists have on the dutiable value, and other charges and fees that can impact the landed cost calculation (including retaliatory tariff treatments and special additional duties). While pricing is also dictated by market conditions, identifying and understanding all costs is crucial to turning a profit. This webinar will give a detailed overview of costs and provide international traders with tools to help them make the right pricing decisions.

The speaker will be Norman Lubeck, Esq. - Senior Manager, Global Trade Advisory Services with Tradewin.

Date: Wednesday, December 11, 2024​
Time: 12:00 – 1:15 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: $25 / No charge for Compliance Alliance members
Contact: Massachusetts Export Center at training@massexport.org or 617-973-6610

Using AI for Your Small Business

Discover how using AI (Artificial Intelligence) can help you streamline processes and improve business efficiencies. We will review the different AI platforms, ways in which we search and how to use AI for communication, content and more.

Date: Thursday, December 12, 2024
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Questions? Contact info@harboroneu.com

Cosponsored by HarborOneU at HarborOne Bank

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for Beginners

You have likely heard the acronym SEO many times, but what does it mean for your small business? This webinar will provide an overview of SEO fundamentals including:

  • How search engines work
  • The importance of keyword research
  • On- and off-page optimizations
  • How to use metrics to measure performance

The speaker will be Rosa Di Virgilio Taormina, Senior Business Advisor & Certified Digital Marketing Professional with the Massachusetts SBDC - Northeast Region.

Date: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Kaitlin Muldoon at kmuldoon@salemstate.edu or 978-542-7369

Understanding Business Financials: Balance Sheets, Income and Profit/Loss Statements

Financial statements are essential for understanding the financial foundation of your business. They serve as indicators of both current success and future potential. Additionally, they highlight areas where you may have been overly cautious or indulgent in your past spending.

In this webinar, you will learn how to read and understand your balance sheets, income statements, and profit/loss statements.

The speaker will be Matthew Ogrodowicz, CPA with Boisselle, Morton & Wolkowicz, LLP. Matthew is well-versed in the challenges faced by small business clients.

Date: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Time: 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. ET
Location:
Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at the Massachusetts SBDC at ppawlosk@umass.edu

Small Business Lending: Are you Really Ready for a Loan?

Searching for ways to fund your start-up business? Are you a current business owner in need of working capital or new equipment? Not quite sure how to approach the bank for help? Please join us at this workshop presented by Tom Cebula of Westfield Bank, as he addresses these questions and much more.

Tom will lead an interactive and personalized workshop to help you prepare for the loan application process. As he tailors this workshop to your business, you will learn how preparation can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and successful credit experience.

You will discover the importance of good credit and a strong business plan. Westfield Bank is proud to offer this workshop through the Massachusetts SBDC as both organizations share a strong commitment to the growth of small businesses in the region.

Topics to be discussed:

  • Five areas of credit that are considered
  • Financial reporting
  • Traditional loan types
  • Nonconventional loans

The speaker will be Tom Cebula, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending with Westfield Bank.

Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025
Time: 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. ET
Location: Online
Cost: No charge
Contact: Paula Pawloski at the Massachusetts SBDC at ppawlosk@umass.edu

Cosponsored by Westfield Bank

Export Expo (for the latest Expo program updates, visit our dedicated Expo page by clicking here)

Join us for the Export Expo – the state’s largest and most important export event of the year that brings together resources, training and information for the local exporting community!  The Massachusetts Export Center’s Export Expo provides a forum for exporters to connect with the wide range of export resources available in Massachusetts while learning about issues that impact their day-to-day operations.   

This year’s Export Expo will again be a virtual event that will include an exhibit area featuring government, non-profit and private sector service providers serving the export community.  The Export Expo will also feature a lineup of workshops, panel discussions and special addresses on a wide variety of export-related topics. 

The Export Expo will feature influential guest speakers and opportunities to connect with experts to answer your specific export questions. We hope that you will join us for the same timely and important international trade content in a convenient virtual format! Our virtual platform will provide opportunities for networking and allow participants to view all of the conference’s content, so you won’t miss a thing! Additional speakers and content to be announced soon.

  • Opening Speaker - Thursday, January 30
    Kevin Wolf, Partner — Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld LLP
    Former Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration (Obama Administration)

    Mr. Wolf will provide an update on major export control developments and trends over the past year.  
     
  • Opening Speaker - Friday, January 31
    Richard Ashooh, Corporate Vice President, Global Trade & Government Affairs — Lam Research Corporation
    Former Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration (Trump Administration)

    Mr. Ashooh will discuss the outlook for export control and economic sanctions policy amid the backdrop of our geopolitical landscape and presidential transition.

Sponsorship opportunities available. Click here to access information on the 2025 Export Expo Sponsorship Package. Click here to view our 2024 Export Expo Recap Video. 

Dates: Thursday and Friday, January 30 & 31, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET
Location: Virtual
Cost: No charge
Contact: Massachusetts Export Center at training@massexport.org or 617-973-6610

 

Important Training Notes

Training registrations are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. To reserve your space for fee-based events, mail your payment to the appropriate office with a copy of the completed registration form. Credit cards are accepted ONLY for the Massachusetts Export Center's events. Your spot is reserved once payment is received by the appropriate office. Training programs may be added or cancelled; the training schedule is subject to change.

Please note: Training confirmations are sent from centeric@clients.msbdc.org. We use this email frequently, so please add it to your approved sender list. A verification code will be sent from this email address allowing your to register for training. If you have problems signing in, do not create a new account with a different email in order to register. For help registering, send an email to the contact in the seminar description. Please review our cancellation and refund policies.